Antartica - Part 1

 On the first day of boarding the Roald Amundsen we have to do two things:

1.  A Mandatory Safety Drill

2.  Download the Hurtigruten App on your smart phone.

Safety drills are required for all passengers boarding a ship.  It tells the passengers what to do and where to go in case there is an emergency.  There would be a loud siren and everyone has to assemble at a muster station and await instructions.  In our case we assembled in Restaurant Aune.  After a few minutes we were allowed to go back to our cabins.

In the pre-smart phone days when you get on a cruise the ship will provide daily information by distribution a hardcopy of information to your room.  You will get information on the plan for the day, menus, weather, where the ship is going, etc.  In this case we download a Hurtigruten App.  This is the vehicle that we use to book meal reservation at one of the restaurants, check what's on the menu, find out about program for the day and how to participate in some programs.  If you want to you can still get a hardcopy of the program from the receptionist.  I keep hardcopies so I can remember and write my blog.

The first afternoon is a good time to explore the ship and know where everything is:  the dining rooms, lounge, sauna, jacuzzis, gym, store, etc.  The store sells souvenirs or essential stuff.  I forgot my adapter for the US electrical plug so I have to buy one from the store.  Since this is a Norwegian ship the electrical outlets use European-style plugs.  It costs me 37 euros to buy one.  I have several at home but simply forgot to bring one.  Luckily Hurtiguten gave me 170 euros as credit to be used on the ship.

Going ashore is part of the excitement of coming to Antarctica.  Some cruise ships only cruise around and the passengers never get off the ship.  In order to protect the environment everyone is required to wear special boots.  These are provided by Hurtigruten.  On the second day we were fitted with the boots, which are waterproof and knee-high.  They keep our feet dry because when we get off the zodiac boats we have to step into the water.

Special Boots to go ashore

Not until the third day are we to pass Cape Horn, the southern-most headland.  We were supposed to stop here but the bad weather prevent us from doing so.  On we go as we sail through the Drake Passage.

The water in the Drake Passage is notoriously turbulent.  This is because of the convergence of warm water from the north and cold water from the south.  It is constantly churning resulting in a very rough sea.  Many ships have been wrecked here.  With the completion of the Panama Canal in the early 20th century less ships go around Cape Horn now.  It takes two days to cross over to the Drake Passage.

Our first landing in Antarctica was at Yankee Harbor.  Passengers are divided into groups of about 20 and we take turns going on ashore. I believe that you can only have a maximum of 100 people on shore at any one time.  Going to shore is a huge undertaking.  First, we have to wear our warm clothings.  Next you put on the special boots, followed by a life-jacket.  I also carry my water-proof bag of camera equipment because I don't know what lenses I will be using.  

Launching an Expedition Boat

When our group is called we go down to the 3rd level to get ready to get on to the expedition boats.  Each expedition boat takes about 10 passengers plus crew.  It's usually a short ride to shore and we are helped off the boats.  On our landing site we are told where to go.  Flags are staked so that we follow a certain path.  We are given one or two hours to explore the area.  Expedition team members are there to help us and answer any questions.  When you are ready to go back you wait for space on one of the boats to take you back to the ship.

Leaving the mother ship as we go to shore

Yankee Harbor is where American sealers use as a base in the 1800s'  It is well-protected from the open seas.  Currently there are about 4,000 Gentoo Penguins here plus a few seals that we saw.  

An Expedition Boat

Gentoo Penguins

A Curious Penguin

Some Seals on Shore

When you return to the ship the first thing you have to do is wash your boots to make sure you don't pick up any foreign material and bring it on board.  A special machine brushes the side of your boots and then you step on a sponge to clean off any foreign material on the sole of the boots.  Then they scan your id to make sure you are accounted for.

Machine to clean your boots before you go back to the ship

It's amazing how they organize a landing.  Everyone knows what to do.  All the equipment are in the right place.  The expedition team is very knowledgeable and helpful.  You don't see them around most of the time but when it's time for a landing they are ready.